1. How is Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) responding?

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has been in contact with the affected presbyteries and is preparing to send funds from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering.

Four members of the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team (PDAT) with expertise in pastoral care, disaster management, and volunteer management are on site. PDAT members will assist in:

• Assessing the damage.
• Helping organize the response.
• Expressing the care and concern of the broader church.

2. Has an appeal been issued? How can we respond financially?

Two designated giving accounts are open — one for the needs of disaster survivors, the other to address church property damage.

DR000015 U.S. Disaster Response

DR000163 Church Property damage

Those wishing to respond financially may do so by designating gifts for one or both of the designated giving accounts. Donations may be sent through normal mission giving channels. Gifts by credit card can be made by calling PresbyTel at (800) 872-3283 or made online. Checks can also be mailed directly to:

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
100 Witherspoon St.
Louisville, KY 40202-1396

An appeal postcard was mailed to all PC(USA) congregations [download postcard].

Use this bulletin insert this Sunday [download bulletin insert].

3. Who are we working with and what presbyteries are affected?

PDA is working with PC(USA) middle governing bodies within the affected communities. The following presbyteries have been affected:

• Peace River
• Central Florida
• Coastal Carolina

4. What is the extent of church property damage?

We are aware of damage to the following Presbyterian Churches:

• First Presbyterian Church, Arcadia, Florida
• Faith Presbyterian Church, Cape Coral, Florida
• Chapel by the Sea, Fort Myers Beach, Florida
• First Presbyterian Church, Port Charlotte, Florida
• Burnt Store Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda, Florida
• First Presbyterian Church, Punta Gorda, Florida
• Conway Presbyterian Church, Orlando, Florida
• Presbyterian Church of the Lakes, Orlando, Florida
• Sprout Spring Presbyterian Church, Cameron, North Carolina
• Wilson Chapel, Maxton, North Carolina

5. What materials can we collect or send to disaster survivors?

6. How can I volunteer to be a part of the recovery efforts?

Affected communities are not yet able to coordinate outside volunteers. The faith community will be called upon to assist in repair and rebuilding throughout the long-term recovery process. Information will be posted to as opportunities for volunteers become available.

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